PEI Hunter Safety Course

Chapter 4: Know Your Muzzleloading Firearm

The use of muzzleloading firearms in hunting is a time-honored tradition in North America. Check your local laws, but most areas have a season devoted to the use of this firearm. Compared with other firearms, it requires considerable skill to load, since each charge is loaded at the muzzle end of the barrel. It also requires much skill when using one to shoot game because, with the exception of double-barrel versions, there is only a single shot at relatively close range. That's why many are attracted to the challenge of this firearm. Should you choose to purchase one, be sure to go to a shooting range with someone who has experience using a muzzleloader and have them teach you how to use it properly.

Muzzleloading firearm parts vary according to style. In this chapter, we will look at the three most common ones: inline percussion, caplock or percussion caplock, and flintlock.